IMDb >
Spellbound (2002/I)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at Blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsSpellbound (2002/I) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 7 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 4) |
Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Release Date:
10 October 2003 (UK)
more
Genre:
Tagline:
EVERYONE WANTS THE LAST WORD more
Plot:
Spellbound follows eight teenagers on their quest to win the 1999 National Spelling Bee. full summary | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 14 wins
&
7 nominations
more
NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Big Beach Films gamble on Jeffrey Blitz's new docu
(From ioncinema. 20 December 2007)
Interview: Jeffrey Blitz
(From ioncinema. 7 August 2007)
(From ioncinema. 20 December 2007)
Interview: Jeffrey Blitz
(From ioncinema. 7 August 2007)
User Comments:
Jon Monsarrat review: flawless
more (100 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Angela Arenivar | ... | Herself - Spelling Bee Participant | |
| Ubaldo Arenivar | ... | Himself - Angela's Father (as Ubaldo) | |
| Jorge Arenivar | ... | Himself - Angela's Brother (as Jorge) | |
| Mr. Scott McGarraugh | ... | Himself - Ranch Owner (as Mr. McGarraugh) | |
| Mrs. Lindy McGarraugh | ... | Herself - Ranch Owner (as Mrs. McGarraugh) | |
| Concepción Arenivar | ... | Herself - Angela's Mother (as Concepción) | |
| Mrs. Slaughter | ... | Herself - Angela's Teacher | |
| Neelima Marupudi | ... | Herself - Potter County Champion (as Neelima) | |
| Nupur Lala | ... | Herself - Spelling Bee Participant | |
| Ms. Whitehurst | ... | Herself - Nupur's Teacher | |
| Parag Lala | ... | Himself - Nupur's Father (as Parag) | |
| Meena Lala | ... | Herself - Nupur's Mother (as Meena) | |
| Kuna Lala | ... | Himself - Nupur's Brother (as Kuna) | |
| Ted Brigham | ... | Himself - Spelling Bee Participant | |
| Ms. Blair | ... | Herself - Tes's Teacher |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
97 min | Canada:95 min (Toronto International Film Festival)
Country:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Iceland:L |
USA:TV-G (TV rating) |
Finland:K-3 |
Australia:G |
Singapore:G |
Sweden:Btl |
UK:U |
USA:G
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Quotes:
Harry Altman:
[pointing to the boom microphone] Is this thing edible?
more
Movie Connections:
Featured in The 50 Greatest Documentaries (2005) (TV)
more
FAQ
Recognising the spellersChapter Headings, a semi-official version
more
more (100 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Spellbound (2002/I) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Bee Season | Akeelah and the Bee | Jesus Camp | Bend It Like Beckham | Giant |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Documentary section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |









Spellbound is a surprisingly moving film, because it is not really about spelling, but about hopes and dreams. There's a lot of love in the film, and it's interesting how different families have different approaches... all the way from hands-off parents to parents hiring drill coaches. The film does a good job of showing the backgrounds of the kids and presenting their personalities. I found myself trying to spell right along with them (unsuccessfully).
Spelling bees promote the worst kind of rote learning, especially when the kids are faced with words they will never use in real life. That's thousands of hours either totally wasted or to be less critical, hours that could have been put to better use, for example, learning creative writing or public speaking. Even so, as one parent says, this is practice to form a habit of perseverance for the future.
The pacing and music were perfect, the way the challenge was presented was clear and straightforward. Excellent film.
Who should see this film:
-- Kids of all ages
-- Everyone else. It's not at all boring.
I'll give Spellbound a perfect 10 out of 10.